Why is a large quantity of Delafield hematoxylin stock solution often maintained?

• A. Slow Hematein Formation
• B. Rapid Oxidation
• C. Instability in Light
• D. Evaporation

Answer: (A)

Delafield hematoxylin must be oxidized to form the active staining compound, hematein, which then binds with the aluminum mordant to stain nuclei. Keeping a large stock allows this oxidation to occur slowly and uniformly, giving a stable, consistent staining strength over time. If the stock were small, oxidation could proceed too quickly, causing variability in stain intensity from batch to batch. Light instability or evaporation play less of a role in why a large quantity is maintained.